ADC Warns INEC Against Alleged Voter Revalidation Plan

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged plan to embark on a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, urged the electoral umpire to urgently clarify reports suggesting it intends to conduct the exercise barely 10 months to the polls.

The ADC said it had received a purported leaked internal memo indicating that INEC was planning to commence the revalidation process in the coming days.

It called on the Commission to confirm the authenticity of the document and disclose whether it reflects an official policy.

According to the opposition party, if the plan is true, it could trigger widespread confusion and disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.

The party argued that requiring already registered voters to revalidate their details so close to a general election would amount to voter suppression, warning that it could further worsen voter apathy and exclude citizens unable to return to their registration centres.

“It is already difficult enough to get citizens to register to vote. Asking them to return for revalidation is, in effect, discouraging participation,” the statement said.

The ADC also questioned the timing and mode of disclosure of such a major exercise, noting that it surfaced through an alleged leak just days before its proposed commencement.

It warned that any action perceived as undermining the integrity of the electoral process could erode public confidence, adding that low voter turnout would ultimately cast doubt on the credibility of the elections.

The party further expressed concern over what would become of voters unable to travel for the exercise within a limited timeframe, stressing that no Nigerian should lose the right to vote due to logistical challenges.

ADC maintained that if any revalidation exercise was necessary, it should have been conducted immediately after the last general election, not on the eve of another.

The party urged INEC to abandon the alleged plan and reassure Nigerians of its commitment to a transparent, credible and inclusive electoral process.

It added that Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford avoidable disruptions, insisting that the right to vote must not be subjected to last-minute administrative measures capable of disenfranchising citizens.